Retain 6. Communicate future intentions

Uncertainty causes anxiety and stress.

Communicate effectively with employees, suppliers and customers about what is happening now and in the future. This ensures that stakeholders feel valued and have less anxiety about their future prospects.

2014 New Zealand Examples

Canterbury Museum is the first organisation in Australasia to be awarded Gold accreditation by Investors in People, based on the museum’s strong focus on positive communication of their vision and future strategy with employees. Strong engagement with this vision by staff has allowed the museum to be a key partner in the post-earthquake rebuild of Christchurch.

South Island-based company Dairy Holdings undertakes regular external assessments of its personnel management and communication practices. The whole company is reviewed from its head office to sharemilkers and farmhands, with a focus on ensuring clear communication of goals and objectives that all employees have the chance to contribute towards.

2014 International Examples

Investors in People (IiP) is a global, outcome-focused business framework that emphasises pro-active communication and positive people management to improve efficiency. Companies can become ‘accredited’ to different levels (Bronze, Silver, Gold etc) based on their adherence to the IiP framework. This accreditation system provides a measureable standard against which businesses can track and compare improvements in personnel management, and makes explicit links between staff wellbeing and business profitability.